Category: CAMP HIKE PLAY

McDowell Nature Preserve

McDowell Nature Preserve
The Natural Place to Be

Visited: July 2020 Duration: 2 hours

McDowell Nature Preserve is the largest public park in the Charlotte -Mecklenburg County in North Carolina. It spans hundreds of acres along Lake Wylie’s eastern shore. The preserve encompasses a nature center, hiking trails, onsite camping and public boating access. It also contains an untouched piedmont prairie restoration and bird sanctuary. When I visited the preserve the Nature Center was closed due to COVID-19 guideline restrictions.

View of Lake Wylie from
McDowell Nature Preserve

The Preserve has more than seven miles of hiking/walking trails that anyone can enjoy. The is one paved trail which is accessible to those in wheelchairs and strollers. You can spend a short time at the preserve or all day. There is a tremendous about of things to see and do. It is an appropriate outdoor activity for families and people of any age.

McDowell Nature Preserve

Dogs are welcomed at the Preserve but must remain on a 6-foot or shorter leash at all times. There are doggy stations in various locations for dog owners to use and dispose of their dog’s waste. Remember when in nature…what you bring in you must also carry out.

There are trail signs to help guide you along you hike. There is also a downloadable map online. Public restrooms are available at the large shelters, the nature center, campground, and waterfront. There is also a shaded playgrounds and a variety of picnic areas for use on a first come first serve basis. If you desire to ride a bicycle through the Preserve you will be restricted to the paved roads. The dirt trails are reserved for walkers and hikers and are not well suited for bicycles.

The McDowell Nature Center is a proud member of the North Carolina Association of Environmental Education Centers. Feel free to visit the Preserve if you are ever in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. It is a great place to get outdoors, walk, hike, or just relax and enjoy the views.

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Andrew Jackson State Park: Camping 🏕, Hiking 🥾, Play

Andrew Jackson State Park is a wonderful place to spend outside whether it is for a day trip or for camping. It is one of 47 State Parks, Historic Sites, Resort Park, and Recreational area within the State of South Carolina. These areas are protected by the South Carolina State Park Service.

Statute of Andrew Jackson
The Boy of the Waxhaws
My grandson, Coleman, investigating

There are many interesting areas and fun activities to do in the State Park. From visiting an old schoolhouse similar to what Andrew Jackson would have attended, to various statues like the Boy of the Waxhaws. A museum is on site which includes the campground office and a small gift shop. There are 2 hiking trails with a length of one mile each. 1 trail begins at the meeting house and the other begins to the left of the fishing dock. The second trail is the one I use the most. It makes a loop around the lake with a moderate dirt path.

Map of Andrew Jackson State Park.
It shows the location of the trails and amenities. https://southcarolinaparks.com/andrew-jackson/trails#jump

Other activities that you could choose to do would be to go fishing, canoeing, row a boat on the lake, enjoy the gardens, and camp in one of the sites in the campground. There are 25 camp sites available to rent. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. When I visited on Saturday with my grandson only a few sites were open for rent. Reservations can be made online and there is a discount for seniors 65+. There is also a playground children can use to play. I know my grandson loves to play on the playground.

The State Park has two picnic shelters that can be rented out to groups or family gatherings. The Friends of Andrew Jackson along with the State Park host an annual Andrew Jackson Birthday Celebration. The celebration is free with park admission. It is a day filled with reenactments, living history demonstrations, and a chance to learn more about Andrew Jackson, our Seventh President of the United States. For the past two years the celebrations had to be cancelled due to CDC guidelines and the Covid-19 pandemic. In years past, I have helped with the various needs and planning which takes place to make the celebration a success. This year it is taking place on March 19, 2022, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

In November, Life in the Waxhaws Lantern tour is held in the evening usually beginning around 6:00 pm and lasting until approximately 7:30 pm. It is wise to bring flashlights with you if you plan to attend the tour. Tour groups are lead every 30 minutes. The Lantern Tour is designed so you can understand what life was like back in the 18th century. Each event gives you a glimpse of what it was like for Andrew Jackson and the events that helped shape the community.

While you walk or hike around the park you might have chance encounters with animals that roam the park. Bicycles are allowed on the paved roads throughout the park. Whatever your mode of transportation you choose, you’ll love getting around the park and enjoy the serene atmosphere of being in nature.

God Bless. Get outdoors and enjoy nature. Visit State Parks. Visit Andrew Jackson State Park whenever you travel through South Carolina. I know you’ll be glad you did. It is a wonderful experience.

I trust you enjoyed seeing my visit to Andrew Jackson State Park. Till next time, Stay safe. Stay Healthy. Enjoy Living.

Words and Photos are mine @gfpacificbee.